Emotional Depth of 'Raakh': Akash Makhija Discusses Intimacy Coaching and Audience Reactions
Overview of 'Raakh'
The new series Raakh, directed by Prosit Roy, has resonated deeply with viewers. It draws inspiration from the infamous 1978 Ranga-Billa case involving Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. The narrative features two main antagonists: Babu, played by Akash Makhija, and Rajjo, portrayed by Ramandeep Yadav. The series culminates in a gripping finale that reveals the tragic fate of the children, Suman (Divya Sharma) and Sahil (Vivaan Sharma), who were lured by the criminals under the pretense of a ride. A pivotal scene inside the car is layered with complexity. In a candid interview, Akash shared insights on ensuring his co-star felt secure during the filming of this intense moment.
Intimacy Coaching on Set
Akash Makhija discusses the role of an intimacy coach
When asked about the car scene that highlights Babu's unsettling attraction towards Suman, Akash explained, “We had an intimacy coach, a child therapist, and an action director present during filming. Although the scene appears seamless, we had to do at least 15 takes to ensure everyone was comfortable. The intimacy coach was instrumental in guiding us, and without their input, we wouldn’t have proceeded with the scene. We were conscious that we were acting.”
Emotional Moments on Set
Akash Makhija reflects on emotional reactions
Makhija further shared, “Many crew members were moved to tears by Divya’s outstanding performance. Witnessing such reactions made me think about how much hatred I might receive from the audience. We performed the scenes multiple times, fully aware that it was all part of our craft. If I had to portray violence, I wouldn’t actually harm anyone. The action director guides us on where to stop. While accidents can occur, we take extra precautions under professional supervision.”
Facing Threats from Viewers
Akash Makhija reveals receiving threats
During the same interview, Akash disclosed that he has received numerous threatening messages on Instagram. He remarked, “Every time I check my DMs, I see people expressing a desire to harm me. The audience has embraced Babu, and I understand he’s perceived as the most disliked character in the country. Some messages even mentioned that viewers cheered when Jayprakash (Ali Fazal) was attacking me. Interestingly, my mother watched the show and became emotional, especially during those scenes. That’s the love of a mother!”
Cast and Premiere Details
Raakh features a talented cast including Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Rakesh Bedi, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The series debuted on Amazon Prime Video on June 12.